Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Salukis  Breed-FAQ
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Date: 13 Mar 1996 13:32:36 GMT
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            THE SALUKI -- ANCIENT HUNTING HOUND OF THE MIDDLE EAST
                                       
Authors

     * Jane Taylor, Khamsa Salukis and Arabians
     * Sharon Walls, Obi-Wan Salukis (heddl@northcoast.com)
       
Contributors

     * Lyndell Ackerman, Camp Carma Salukis
     * Catherine Meyers, Comelightly Salukis
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * Frequently Asked Questions
     * Description & History
     * Temperament
     * Other Information and Considerations
     * References
          + Books
          + Kennel Clubs which Recognize the Saluki
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Frequently Asked Questions

   How is the Saluki around children? Other pets? As a watchdog?
   
     The Saluki can be quite tolerant of children and can be accused of
     "licking the baby" too much. As with any breed the temperament of
     the puppy in question can determine how it will interact with
     children. Salukis can be territorial while claiming "their" children
     and protecting them from a "Saluki-perceived" harm. They can be
     protective of other pets in the household as well. In the
     Middle-East they have been used as flock guardians. This does not
     mean that they can be trained as watch/guard dogs like a Doberman or
     Rottweiler. It is from the Saluki's sense of loyalty and
     companionship to their owner that this tendency can be attributed.
     Salukis can be temperamental and will become quite emotionally
     attached to their owners.
     
   Are they noisy? Do they have any bad habits?
   
     Salukis tend to bark only when there is something worthwhile to bark
     at (unless one has fallen into bad habits out of boredom). They are
     very athletic, easily able to clear high fences unless the owner has
     taken proper precautions to see that this does not occur. They are
     not usually nuisance diggers, but can create large pits to escape
     summer heat if left out of doors. Also, if not exercised enough,
     your Saluki may excavate your backyard and garden into W.W.II sized
     foxholes.
     
   Is the Saluki a good house-dog?
   
     The Saluki is an extremely clean dog with little to no odor, and
     minimal shedding due to the short coat. In general, a Saluki kept
     indoors sheds a little all year round. Salukis are not generally
     thought of as outside dogs and they tend to not do well in that kind
     of situation.
     
     They do not drool, except in anticipation of food. They are
     generally easy to house train. They will take over the furniture
     unless their owners discourage this habit from puppy hood. A happily
     wagging tail will easily clear off low coffee tables.
     
     Many Saluki owners have learned the "seven foot rule"; if you don't
     want the hound to get whatever the item is (butter on the counter,
     leftovers on the stove, the roast thawing on the counter) put it out
     of reach -- at least seven feet from the floor.
     
   Are there any special feeding problems?
   
     Some Salukis can be finicky in their eating habits and periodically
     fast. Most Salukis eat less than other breeds of dog and drink less
     as well. This is evident in Arabian horses and camels as well. One
     of the most often heard questions by a Saluki owner is "Don't you
     feed that dog? It's so skinny, I can see its bones." The answer is
     --Yes, I do feed it. All that wants. It also runs approximately 35
     mph. Salukis and sight hounds in general have the smallest amount of
     body fat of all the dog breeds. When spayed or neutered they may
     gain weight and the coat may become fuzzy.
     
   Are there any special medical problems?
   
     Due to lack of body fat, Salukis are sensitive to anesthetic agents.
     This is true of most, if not all, the sight hounds. They also can
     have reactions and intolerances to some worming and flea products.
     In particular, the wormer known as TASK is not recommended for use
     on Greyhounds. As a general rule if the label states not recommended
     for use on Greyhounds don't use it on a Saluki.
     
     The #1 cause of death in Salukis is Hit By Car.
     The #2 cause of death is Old Age (average life span 12-18 yrs).
     
     Thyroid: Some Salukis may be affected by low thyroid function. This
     can be detected by blood tests and can be corrected by oral
     medication. This condition may be seen in older animals whose
     hormone level has decreased, and also in neutered animals.
     
     Cancer: Cancer has been reported at an increasing rate; many of the
     animals affected have been @ 4 yrs of age.
     
     Heart Conditions: The Saluki is a tremendous athlete; if given the
     opportunity to fulfill his hunting instincts, the heart may become
     enlarged.
     
     As with any breed, regular annual checkups and proper follow up with
     diet and medication (if necessary) are recommended.
     
   How much exercise does a Saluki need?
   
     Salukis love to run. They will run just for the thrill of it. One to
     two miles or more at a time. They can make excellent jogging
     companions. In the Middle-East Salukis were and are kept by the
     Bedouins, a pastoral nomadic people, and thus would travel numerous
     miles over the yearly trek.
     
   Are they energetic or hyper? Are they high-strung?
   
     A young Saluki can be a very energetic fellow. In general, they
     mature into lovely calm dogs. Salukis have an instinct to chase
     moving objects and they can learn what is acceptable to chase and
     what is not. As a general rule, at the age of two they begin to
     settle down and continue to mellow significantly each following
     year. 
     
   What were Salukis originally used for?
   
     Salukis were and are bred in Middle-East as a
     hunting/companion/guard dog. They primarily hunt by sight, and to a
     much lesser degree by smell, and thus are very aware of their
     surroundings. Salukis have keen hearing, but when in pursuit of
     "game" exhibit "selective deafness" (which is usually infuriating to
     the owner who is calling their hound at the top of their lungs with
     no noticable result). When the dog has stopped running and is
     standing still is the time to attract the dog's attention by both
     calling it and making waving motions with your arms. Their native
     quarry includes hare, gazelle, and bustard.
     
     The description below includes many answers to other questions
     regarding Saluki breed type, abilities, and temperament. This
     guideline/standard was written for the International All Breed
     Kennel Club of America, Inc. and was developed by the International
     Middle Eastern Coursing Hound Association, which is the Saluki
     parent club to the IABKCA.
     
Description & History

   The Saluki is one of the most ancient breeds of hunting hounds.
   Paintings of Salukis have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs,
   Sumerian buildings, and Assyrian temples; thus, placing the age of the
   Saluki as a breed at approximately 7,000 years. The breed remains
   relatively unchanged to the present day. From ancient to modern times
   the Saluki has been used to hunt gazelle, hare, bustard (a type of
   bird), jackal, fox, and wild ass. The hunting style of the Saluki is
   to sight and run the game down, catch and retrieve it. The Saluki is a
   multi-game, multi-terrain coursing hound. In the more recent times
   (the past 2,000-3,000 years) the Saluki has been kept by the nomadic
   Bedouin tribes of the Middle East to hunt game animals, thus providing
   meat for the cookpot. With the advent of Islam, dogs were and are
   considered unclean beasts. However, in the case of the Saluki an
   exception was made. By the Bedouin, Salukis are considered the Gift of
   Allah to his children. They are allowed in the tents and considered
   special companions. It has been said that the Bedouin never sells a
   Saluki, however, they are given as special and precious gifts.
   
   The questions one might ask with regards to the Saluki are: What do
   the Bedouin look for in a Saluki? ; Why do the Bedouin want what they
   do? ; What do the Bedouin consider good function? ; What types do
   different tribes have and breed for? ; For what purposes are the
   different types used? Most of these questions can be answered by
   studying the terrain, climate, and game available in the various areas
   that Salukis are found. It must also be kept in mind that Salukis do
   not have a Country of Origin per se, but rather a Region of Origin .
   Historically, they can be found ranging from Iran/Iraq and Turkey in
   the North, throughout the Arabian Peninsula in the South and East, and
   into Egypt and across North Africa in the West. However, the overall
   picture of Saluki structure is consistent throughout these areas.
   
   Listed below are points found to be consistent throughout the region
   and can be interpreted as the Region of Origin Saluki standard, as
   well as Bedouin lore from the various sources listed in the
   references. In consideration of the qualities delineated below,
   imagine yourself at the edge of the Rub Al- Khali (The Empty Quarter
   in southern Saudi Arabia) where you will be left for three weeks. You
   have a 55 gallon drum of water, 10 pounds of rice, and your choice of
   three Salukis, two of one gender and one of the other. Keep in mind
   you will use these Salukis to provide meat for your cookpot as well as
   their sustainence. Which do you feel can do the job that they were
   bred to do; hunt by sight, run the game down, catch and retrieve it?
   
  OVERALL APPEARANCE
  
   When in the show ring the overall appearance of the Saluki is one of
   grace, symmetry, and a well conditioned athlete. The impression given
   is one of the ability to hunt and kill efficiently. While on the
   coursing field these qualities are displayed to their fullest with the
   addition of an intense desire, drive and focus that is not seen in the
   show ring. Combined, these qualities comprise undeniable Saluki breed
   type and function.
   
   The Smooth Variety has the same qualities as stated above with the
   exception of feathering. In both varieties males may range from 23 to
   28 inches at the withers with bitches measuring somewhat smaller.
   
  FACE AND HEAD
  
   The head should be longer than it is wide for breed type. Wedge shaped
   when viewed from above with adequate width of back skull for
   attachment of the jaw muscles (for clamping power when making a kill).
   In profile, the head will again be wedge shaped with a slight stop at
   the eyes. The top of the skull should not be domed and be almost flat
   (in keeping with the "wedge" shape). Eyes are almond shaped in the
   Saluki. They are set into the skull (not protruding/bulging) at a
   slightly oblique angle to the face. Color may vary from honey to dark
   brown. The set of the eyes and their lashes protect them from sand and
   glare. The expression is that of a keen hunter. It can be said that
   the Saluki will have a definite Eastern/Oriental appearance about the
   eyes.
   
   The bony ridges in the muzzle will provide for an appearance of
   refinement/chiseling. The tightness of the lips to the cheekbones will
   give the appearance that the Saluki is smiling. (The lips should be
   close to the cheek and not drooping. A clean, dry mouth.) Tribal lore:
   At least five hair warts should be on the face -- two on each cheek
   and one or more on the chin. However, two or three on the chin is most
   desirable.
   
  PIGMENT
  
   Pigment of the nose is black to liver. In older Salukis a graying in
   black noses may be seen. The eye rims in darker pigmented Salukis will
   appear as if they have been painted with kohl (a type of black makeup
   Middle Eastern women use to define the shape of the eye). Tribal lore:
   a mottled or pink nose is very undesirable as they cannot stand the
   sun.
   
  TEETH & BITE
  
   The teeth must be strong and white with a scissors or level bite. Full
   dentition is desirable. Tribal lore: The hound should have what the
   Bedouin describes as laughing jaws for a powerful bite. When running,
   the mouth will be wide open and the lips will be pulled back. It is
   this action and the set of the jaws that are referred to as laughing
   jaws.
   
  EARS
  
   The ear leather should be "drop-eared", also known as "floppy-eared".
   The leather should be of sufficient length to reach the corner of the
   mouth, but no so large as to hinder the hound while coursing/catching
   game. The ears should be set high on the head and be very mobile. This
   mobility will allow for the ears to almost touch each other behind the
   back skull and when pulled backward and up. Depending upon the
   animal's mood, the ears may also be held in positions known as
   "airplane ears" (the ears will resemble a set of bent airplane wings
   attached to the head), "mouse ears" (ears are pulled up as if to touch
   over the crown and forward framing the face), and "rose ears" (the
   ears are folded, pulled towards the back, and held next to the head
   similar to a Greyhounds). The texture of the feathering must silky
   (quantity is not important). A few of the Bedouin tribes would crop
   ears. This practice was to prevent the ear leather from being torn
   while hunting predatory game such as jackal and fox. FYI-Some Salukis
   imported from the Middle East have had cropped ears.
   
  NECK
  
   The neck should be moderately long, supple, and well muscled. The
   throat (the area where the head and neck join) should be fine for
   mobility of the head in making the catch of game.
   
  FRONT ASSEMBLY
  
   The chest at the heart girth should be deep and with sufficient width
   (spring of rib) for endurance in the chase. When viewed from the front
   the chest bone (sternum, AKA keelbone) and points of the shoulders
   should be able to be seen, while the area below them (the forechest)
   will be somewhat filled in. Tribal lore: Belief is that if the width
   is too wide (barrel chested) the Saluki will lack speed. If the width
   is too narrow (slab sided) the Saluki will lack endurance. The
   forechest should be moderately narrow (in proportion to the size of
   the Saluki). This is for speed. (This width is linked with the
   placement of the shoulders on the body. The placement should be far
   enough back on the rib cage to give the width, yet not make the Saluki
   pigeon breasted--protrusion of the sternum several inches beyond the
   points of the shoulder.) It has been observed that when some looseness
   in the front assembly appears while moving on harder terrain, it will
   disappear when moving on loose sand. The looseness tends compensates
   for the movement of the sand out from under the Saluki's feet. The
   forelegs should be straight and long from the elbow to the wrist with
   a slight slope in the pastern to the foot. A slight toeing out is not
   uncommon. The pastern must also be strong. The slope and strength of
   the pasterns is for shock absorption while running. The wrist can be
   bent at almost 90 degree slope/angle backwards when the foot is in
   contact with the ground and the front assembly is in follow-through
   from extension to flexion. The bone of the limbs is oval tending
   towards bladed (not round in appearance as in a working dog) with fine
   quality, however it is very dense and strong for its size. Like an
   Arabian horse, Salukis possess subtle power and strength.
   
  FEET
  
   The foot should be shaped as the foot of the hare (two middle toes
   longer than the outside two); this applies to the front as well as the
   rear. Tribal lore: The feathering between the toes and pads is for
   protection against the hot sand. Some Bedouin will apply a henna pack
   (a dried and crushed plant mixed with water) on the Salukis' feet;
   this is to toughen the pads against cuts and abrasions during a hunt
   or trek.
   
  BACK & LOIN
  
   The back should be well muscled with an unmistakable arch over the
   loin. A good arch lends itself to muscular conditioning as well as
   skeletal structure. In addition, as a general rule the Saluki is a
   square dog. Square meaning that the height of the dog, as measured
   from the withers to the ground, equals the length of the dog, as
   measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump. This
   is for endurance and speed on long courses. (This squareness is true
   of the more southern strains, whereas, the northern varieties will
   tend to be slightly longer in back and slightly larger overall as the
   terrain that is coursed over during a hunt is different--more
   mountainous.) The waist (tuck up/loin) should be pronounced. Tribal
   lore: The loin should be no more than what a man can grasp around with
   his hands (thumb to thumb and second finger to second finger). The
   males will be slightly bulkier than the female, but over all the
   fineness applies to both. This is for greater speed.
   
  REAR ASSEMBLY
  
   The hip bones should be prominent. When viewed from the rear the croup
   should appear to have a trapezoid shape. Also, the rear quarters
   should be higher than the forequarters when the hound is standing
   naturally (the arch in the loin will add to this height) -- this is
   for springing ability and length of stride. Tribal lore: A man should
   be able to place 4 fingers between the hip bones. This will show the
   agility/speed ability of the hound.
   
   The 1st and 2nd thigh should be long and well muscled with the hocks
   moderately low to the ground in relation to the length of the 1st and
   2nd thighs. The whole showing moderate angulation in balance with the
   forequarters. When standing squarely (stacked) the tips of the toes on
   the front feet will be in a plumb line with point of the shoulder and
   the front edge of the hind toes should be in a plumb line with the
   point of the rump (the point of the ishium) and as the hocks should be
   perpendicular to the ground. This moderation is for endurance,
   agility, and speed.
   
  TAIL
  
   The tail is set low on the croup and carried in a curve. When the
   Saluki is in motion the tail may be carried in a low curve, elevated
   curve, up and curved over the back (gay tail). But it should not be
   carried without a curve, i.e., straight up, straight out from the
   back, or hanging limp (straight down). Tribal lore: The tail should be
   of sufficient length to come between the rear legs, up around the loin
   and touch the spine.
   
  MOVEMENT
  
   The working gait of the Saluki is a double suspension gallop (all four
   feet are off the ground in flexion and extension) and they are
   considered the endurance runner of the dog world. This galloping
   style, in pursuit of game, will give the appearance of the Salukis'
   body flying over the terrain; galloping with no wasted motion and
   appearing effortless. In addition, the head will be almost level with
   the spine as will the tail. Both will have a small amount of pumping
   motion as the Saluki's body is flexed and extended. In the flexed
   position the spine will be curved so that the rear legs will be
   brought forward to the point of almost being in front of the shoulder
   assembly. In extension, the front and rear assemblies are almost level
   with the spine. This double suspension gallop is unique to Salukis and
   other sight hounds and is the only time when reach and drive will be
   exhibited.
   
   Movement at a trot can give the appearance of floating over the
   terrain (effortless movement). Almost a prancing type of step with the
   head up, tail carried higher than or at the level of the back can give
   this impression. This type of movement is generally seen in play or
   courtship and it can also be displayed in the show ring, however, it
   is not a hackney gait. Movement with the head and tail at an lower
   angle (or in line with the spine) and legs moving so that the feet are
   closer to the ground is used for traveling miles, in other words,
   trotting with no wasted effort. It can be seen that when a Saluki
   moves in such a manner it will single track (the feet will move closer
   together almost as if they are converging along a line one foot in
   front of the other). Also, when walking at ease, Salukis will
   frequently walk a few steps with movement resembling a camel's (a
   pace--right fore and hind move together and left fore and hind move
   together). All of these types of movement are correct and soundness in
   Saluki movement only refers to it being free from injury, disease or
   lameness. However, it must be kept in mind that a Saluki is bred for
   hunting at a gallop and movement at a trotting gait will not indicate
   how it runs. The most important points to consider on both forms of
   movement are balance and moderation. Only when these are present will
   the effortlessness in movement appear.
   
  COAT TEXTURE & COLORS
  
   Coat texture is smooth and silky. Woolly feathering on the shoulders
   and thigh may also be present. Puppies have a tendency to have body
   wool as well. Some colors are preferred over others in various regions
   with all being acceptable (however, brindling or self-black is rarely
   seen in Salukis but can occur). Tribal lore: The Bedouins believe that
   the white markings which can appear have specific meanings:
     * A small patch of white hairs in the middle of the forehead is
       called The Kiss of Allah . This Saluki is blessed and is very
       special.
       
     * A small patch of white hairs low on either side of the neck is
       considered The Thumb Print of Allah and marks the Saluki as
       especially blessed. (This mark can also appear as a small
       indentation in the musculature along the forward edge of the
       scapula.)
       
     * A white streak on the neck along the spine as opposed to a white
       collar marking. This is called a fast mark and indicates that the
       Saluki will be an excellent courser.
       
     * A white tipped tail means that the Saluki will be an excellent
       hunter.
       
Temperament

   Salukis are known for their aloofness with strangers, rather regal
   bearing, and apparent farsightedness. However, with their own family
   or someone that they know, they can be outgoing and affectionate
   companions. The Saluki has not only been bred by the Bedouin as a
   hunter for thousands of years, but as a beautiful, elegant,
   intelligent, loyal companion, as well as protector. Their native
   intelligence can be quite remarkable. With their intelligence being
   high (for the most part) they can think their way through situations
   if given the opportunity. They know their own kind (meaning sight
   hounds in general and Salukis in particular) and can have little
   tolerance for other breeds of dogs. In addition, they can be
   protective of their families and friends (in the Mid-East they are
   also used to guard flocks). The Saluki temperament does not lend well
   to kennel situations or heavy handed methods of training as they can
   be quite sensitive and become quite attached to their owners. In the
   obedience ring, they tend to not do as well as other breeds because
   they can be easily bored. However, if a strong bond with their owner
   is evident they will do what is asked of them to please him or her.
   Like the Arabian Horse, they can be a friend and companion with
   undying loyalty. However, due to the intelligence level, this loyalty
   is not linked with unquestioning obedience.
   
   In the conformation show ring, due to the Saluki's aloofness with
   strangers and their seeming farsightedness, it is not unusual for them
   to tend to draw away from a strange hand reaching for their head or
   face. This is the exception rather than the rule and they should not
   be penalized for this response. In addition, they should be approached
   from the front, with slower movements. However, aggressive or vicious
   behavior should not be tolerated.
   
Other Information and Considerations

   It has been noted on the coursing field that when a Saluki has lost
   sight of the quarry it will leap or "spy-hop" in an effort to become
   sighted again. This is very similar in appearance to a gazelle leaping
   while running (jumping or springing with all four feet at once). This
   spy-hop (or sproink, as it is sometimes called) can be as high as
   seven feet and is a hunting characteristic of the Saluki.
   
   The books and publications listed below not only delineate what some
   Bedouin tribes look for in Salukis, but their horses and camels as
   well. All of these species have been bred to exist under inhospitable
   conditions for several thousand years and the Bedouin have developed
   specialized breeding formulas for optimum survival. The most
   consistent points that can be seen in the Bedouin programs for the
   Saluki, Arabian Horse, and Dromedary Camel are the basic bone
   structure, temperament, and elegance; one is just larger or smaller
   than the other. In respect of the Bedouins' long history and the
   original purpose of the breed, one should not presume to try to
   improve upon what they have already perfected; breeding goals should
   emphasize the preservation and maintenance of the high standards they
   have set.
   
References

  BOOKS
  
   The Arab of the Desert -a study of the Mushatir Bedouin tribe of
   Kuwait -- by H. R. P. Dickson.
   
   The Ways of the Desert -- by Alexander Dumas.
   
   The Horse of the Desert -- by W. R. Brown.
   
   Black Tents of Arabia -- by Carl Raswan.
   
   The Saluki in History, Art and Sport --by Hope and David Waters,
   Burydown Salukis, England.
   
   Hounds, Hares and Other Creatures -The Complete Book of
   Coursing--published by Hoflin Publishing, Wheatridge, Colorado
   
   Hutchinson's Dog Encyclopedia -- by Hutchinson.
   
   Saluki, Companion of Kings -- by Vera Watkins, Windswift Salukis,
   England.
   
   The Complete Dog Book -- by the American Kennel Club, Saluki
   Standard Submitted by the Saluki Club of America. NOTE: This standard
   has not changed since it was approved and acce pted in 1927.
   Gazehounds: The Search for Truth-- by Constance O. Miller, noted
   sight hound judge.
   
   Dogs, Their History and Development-- E. C. Ash Medical and Genetic
   Aspects of Purebred Dogs--edited by Ross D. Clark, Joan R. Stainer,
   etal.
   
  KENNEL CLUBS WHICH RECOGNIZE THE SALUKI
  
   American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, FCI, Kennel Club of Great
   Britain, Israeli Kennel Club, UKC, Rare Breed Kennel Club, States
   Kennel Club, UCI - International All Breed Kennel Club of America,
   Inc.
   
   For the local Saluki breed club in your area the American Kennel Club
   in Raleigh, NC generally has a listing of breed clubs and their rescue
   organizations from which you may be able to obtain a Saluki "in need
   of a good home."
   
   Saluki Club of America
   Donna Kappmeier, Secretary
   12192 Gilbert Street
   Garden Grove, CA 92641
   
   If you are unsure about who in your area to contact, please e-mail
   Jane Taylor or Sharon Walls (e-mail addresses at the beginning of the
   FAQ). This FAQ will be updated periodically with new publication and
   club information.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
    Saluki FAQ
    Jane Taylor
    Sharon Walls, heddl@northcoast.com
